Chris Johnson Lightens Stance

By: Stephen Patterson

While he is still planning to sit out until he gets a new deal, Chris Johnson has softened his stance on his contract negotiations with the Tennessee Titans. Speaking at the ESPY's last night, Johnson said he would agree to a short term deal to get him back on the field if the team didn't want a long term commitment. If the Titans don't get Johnson back on the field and signed after this, they have to be crazy in my opinion.

Last season, Johnson became just the sixth running back in NFL history to rush for more 2,000 yards in a single season,  and also broke Marshall Faulk's record for all-purpose yards in the process. Johnson has publicly stated that his goal for this season is to rush for 2,500 yards. While it's unlikely his body will allow him to complete the feat, the Titans would now be foolish if they don't come to some sort of agreement with the disgruntled back.

Although most players come off as being selfish or egotistical when they are holding out for a new contract, Johnson has handled his situation very well and hasn't caused any major distractions to the franchise or made any outlandish demands on his new deal. He is arguably the best running back in the NFL and is only due to earn $555,000 this season after his performance last year. Considering playing the RB position takes a huge toll on the body, often leading to shorter careers compared to players at other positions, that's not much money for a player of Johnson's caliber to be earning.